(914) 220-1086Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale received 38 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on May 11, 2020. The Riverdale nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of five surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not employ adequate infection control practices. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases and infections. An August 2019 citation found that Hebrew Home did not ensure its infection control practices were properly maintained. An inspector specifically observed two residents who receive oxygen through nasal cannula with their oxygen tubing lying on the floor, in contravention of policies and procedures. The citation goes on to state that this inspector also observed residents’ rooms in which various equipment—oxygen cannulas, nebulizers, and more—were “stored without being covered,” as well as a nurse who did not conduct proper hand hygiene while caring for a resident’s room. The citation states that these deficiencies had “potential to cause more than minimal harm.”
2. The nursing home did not dispose of garbage and refuse in accordance with regulations. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to “dispose of garbage and refuse properly.” An August 2019 citation found that Hebrew Home did not ensure such. An inspector specifically observed garbage bins in the facility’s kitchen that were “uncovered and overflowing with garbage.” According to the citation, the bin was “overflowing with boxes and clear garbage bags,” and a dietary worker told an inspector that “sometimes the boxes that are thrown in the garbage bins makes it difficult to put a cover on the bin” before staffers take bins out of the kitchen to the trash compactor. In an interview, the facility’s Food Service Director said that bins “are supposed to be covered” when garbage is transported from the kitchen to the compactor. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of food service workers.
3. The nursing home did not report an injury or thoroughly investigate it. Section 483.12 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to respond to allegations of abuse or other mistreatment by ensuring that all alleged violations are immediately reported, that they are investigated, and that the results of investigations are promptly reported. A June 2019 citation found that Hebrew Home “failed to report an injury of unknown origin and failed to conduct a thorough investigation.” The injury in question was discoloration to a resident’s left eyebrow and left cheek. According to the citation, the facility failed to perform a thorough investigation of the discoloration to rule out abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, and additionally did not report the injury to state authorities. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the in-servicing of relevant staff with regard to investigations and reporting of possible abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC work diligently to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Please contact us to discuss in the event you have a potential case involving neglect or abuse.
